The Cambridges have joined forces with the Queen of Cakes Mary Berry to cook up a festive feast to appreciate people who will be working on Christmas Day. Prince William and Kate asked the Queen of TV cookery to help them spread seasonal cheer to people connected to their charities who won’t be able to relax with their families over the holiday.
Mary came up with recipes for a party they hosted at the Rosewood Hotel in London last month, after the royal couple took her to visit some of the charities and organisations closest to their hearts to give her a flavour of why they are so passionate about supporting them. And they later donned their aprons to help her and former Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain lay on a delicious spread – including Christmas Meringue Roulade – for their lucky guests. The events were filmed by Shine TV for the BBC as part of an hour-long TV special called A Berry Royal Christmas, which airs on December 16.
The Duke and Duchess, wearing a red silk dress by Alessandra Rich, preparing food with Mary and Nadiya in the Swedish-inspired Elyx Chalet on the hotel’s terrace before serving it up to guests invited from their patronages. Partygoers include nurses, emergency services workers, staff from a mother and baby unit and armed forces personnel.
In a conversation between Mary and William, filmed during a secret visit to the homeless charity The Passage last month, the future king paid tribute to his parents and grandparents for their charity work over the years. Asked where his own motivation to help came from, the Duke said: “Growing up both of my parents were hugely charitable. My father set up the Prince’s Trust. He’s involved in so many different organisations. My mother has done her work with homelessness and as you said AIDs and other charities and I think I’ve grown up in a household which has been very much a case of ‘well, we’re very lucky – you must give back.’
“And you know, my grandmother becoming Queen at a very young age, in the days when it was a man’s world, it was very difficult for her to … make a difference. And she’s done it. In her own very unique, distinct way, and you know, my grandmother and my grandfather together are the epitome of public service. And I personally get a lot out of helping people. I find that you hear and you understand and you learn so much more by giving a bit of your time, a bit of your day, to just be around.”
This is not the first time the Duke and Duchess have rolled up their sleeves and delivered some hands-on festive cheer in aid of those less fortunate. In November last year they helped to prepare soup and bread for young people helped by homeless charity Centrepoint – of which the Duke is patron – at a centre in Barnsley, south Yorkshire. The couple were asked to help prepare some lunch at a brand-new hostel built to hold 60 people and then serve it to two youngsters who have been helped by the charity.
Announcing the new show, the BBC said:
“Throughout the programme Mary will also be cooking some of her favourite Christmas recipes for viewers to try out at home as she helps prepare the festive food for a very royal event to thank all those working and volunteering over the Christmas period.”
The veteran TV chef said:
“I am honoured that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have invited me to join them on four of their royal charity engagements this Christmas. It will be truly special to see the causes so close to their hearts, as well as to hear all about the amazing support these charities provide. The finale is a big Christmas party and I will be cooking up a feast for them to enjoy. A-one hour Christmas special not to be missed.”
Photos: Hello!
